Clinton Calls On China To Join 'United Front' On Iran Sanctions

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (left) speaks with China's President Hu Jintao during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 4.

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Clinton Calls On China To Join 'United Front' On Iran Sanctions

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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called on China to support a U.S. call for countries to cut back on imports of Iranian oil to increase pressure on the Islamic republic over its nuclear program.

Speaking on May 4 in Beijing on the second day of talks with Chinese officials, Clinton said a "strong and united" stance on Iran was the best chance of compelling Tehran to address international concerns about its suspected nuclear-weapons program.

The United States next month is expected to start imposing sanctions on financial institutions in countries that continue to purchase Iranian oil.

China, a major purchaser of Iranian oil, is opposed to the U.S. sanctions, but reports say it has begun gradually decreasing its consumption of Iranian crude.